The Best C. Thomas Howell Movies

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Updated August 11, 2023 2.1K votes 374 voters 23.3K views
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best C. Thomas Howell Movies
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List of the best C. Thomas Howell movies, ranked best to worst with movie trailers when available. C. Thomas Howell's highest grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. The order of these top C. Thomas Howell movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated C. Thomas Howell movies will be at the top of the list. C. Thomas Howell has been in a lot of films, so people often debate each other over what the greatest C. Thomas Howell movie of all time is. If you and a friend are arguing about this then use this list of the most entertaining C. Thomas Howell films to end the squabble once and for all.

If you think the best C. Thomas Howell role isn't at the top, then upvote it so it has the chance to become number one. The greatest C. Thomas Howell performances didn't necessarily come from the best movies, but in most cases they go hand in hand.

This is a list that includes films like Mad Dogs and Englishmen and Mutant Vampire Zombies from the 'Hood!.

"This list answers the questions, "What are the best C. Thomas Howell movies?" and "What are the greatest C. Thomas Howell roles of all time?"

Notable directors that have worked with C. Thomas Howell include names like Steven Spielberg, Robert Altman and Francis Ford Coppola. Is C. Thomas Howell your favorite person to watch on the big screen? You might also want to vote on our best River Phoenix and Brian Bloom films lists too.

Most divisive: Hot Boyz
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  • The Outsiders
    1

    The Outsiders

    Matt Dillon, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio
    163 votes
    • Released: 1983
    • Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
    In the heartland of 1960s Oklahoma, The Outsiders tells the story of a group of underprivileged teenagers known as the Greasers. Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell), an introspective youth, and his friends Johnny Cade (Ralph Macchio) and Dallas Winston (Matt Dillon) navigate their way through social inequalities and personal struggles. This coming-of-age drama, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is built on themes of friendship, societal pressure, and the harsh realities of socio-economic divisions. The film has been recognized for its authentic portrayal of teen angst amidst class conflicts.

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  • Red Dawn
    2

    Red Dawn

    Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson
    79 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: John Milius
    In the film Red Dawn, an unexpected invasion by foreign soldiers transforms a peaceful American town into a war zone. High school student Jed Eckert (Patrick Swayze) finds himself leading his brother, Matt (Charlie Sheen), and a group of fellow students in a resistance movement. As they struggle to protect their home and reclaim their freedom, these young warriors showcase courage beyond their years. Directed by John Milius, this 1984 action-packed drama reflects on the resilience of youth amidst adversity, without straying into overtly violent or graphic territory.

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  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
    3

    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

    Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote
    73 votes
    • Released: 1982
    • Directed by: Steven Spielberg
    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a mesmerizing blend of science fiction and family drama directed by Steven Spielberg. The story revolves around Elliott (Henry Thomas), a lonely boy who befriends an extraterrestrial, dubbed 'E.T.', stranded on Earth. E.T.'s health declines while government agents close in on his location. With help from his older brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and younger sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore), Elliott must help E.T. escape Earth and return to his home planet. This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, and remains a beloved classic in the realm of cinema.

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  • Secret Admirer
    4

    Secret Admirer

    C. Thomas Howell, Lori Loughlin, Kelly Preston
    90 votes
    • Released: 1985
    • Directed by: David Greenwalt
    Michael Ryan (C. Thomas Howell) has been in love with Deborah Ann (Kelly Preston) for as long as he can remember, not realizing that his female best friend, Toni Williams (Lori Loughlin), is secretly pining for him. He leaves Deborah Ann an anonymous love letter and soon the two begin a relationship -- while a jealous Toni is forced to watch from afar. Meanwhile, the letter is found by Deborah Ann's parents and sparks suspicion and accusations of philandering among them and their neighbors.

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  • The Hitcher
    5

    The Hitcher

    Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell, Jennifer Jason Leigh
    73 votes
    • Released: 1986
    • Directed by: Robert Harmon
    While transporting a car from Chicago to San Diego, Jim Halsey (C. Thomas Howell) picks up a hitchhiker named John Ryder (Rutger Hauer), who claims to be a serial killer. After a daring escape, Jim hopes to never see Ryder again. But when he witnesses the hitchhiker murdering an entire family, Jim pursues Ryder with the help of truck-stop waitress Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh), pitting the rivals against each other in a deadly series of car chases and brutal murders.

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  • Grandview, U.S.A.
    6

    Grandview, U.S.A.

    Jamie Lee Curtis, John Cusack, Jennifer Jason Leigh
    41 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Randal Kleiser
    Grandview, U.S.A. is a 1984 American comedy-drama film directed by Randal Kleiser. It stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Carole Cook, Ramon Bieri, John Cusack, Joan Cusack, M. Emmet Walsh, Michael Winslow, Troy Donahue, and Steve Dahl. The original music score is composed by Thomas Newman. It was filmed on location in Pontiac, Illinois. After being out of print on VHS for many years, the movie was finally released on DVD for the first time on October 4, 2011.

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